In nearly 64 years of life, I’ve come to believe in one simple yet profound truth: Life rewards action, not intelligence. But before you think I’m here to dismiss the importance of thought, let me clarify. Intelligence, wisdom, and meaningful thought are essential—they are the compass that gives us direction. However, a compass alone won’t get you anywhere. You need to move.
The magic happens when you combine thoughtful intention with purposeful action. Because action without thought can lead to recklessness, and thought without action results in stagnation. The real rewards come from balancing the two—turning your intelligence into forward momentum.
The Spark Behind This Idea
This very blog post is a product of what I’m sharing with you. The idea for this topic came to me just minutes before I recorded my latest Living Strong Adventures podcast. I happened to stumble upon a line in an article that sparked something inside me. Instead of filing it away for later or overthinking it, I took action, sat down, and let the inspiration flow.
To make sure I moved from thought to action, I used a prompter for the recording. While it helps me stay on track, it’s also a reminder to embrace planning and organization without sacrificing spontaneity. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones we act on quickly, while they’re fresh and alive.
A Lesson From My Journey
This principle of thoughtful action has been a guiding force in my life, especially in the last decade as I’ve faced the challenges of progressive hip pain. It wasn’t a quick or easy road to decide on surgery. I spent years researching, consulting experts, and reflecting on what was best for me. But all the wisdom and planning in the world would have been meaningless if I hadn’t taken the next step—making the decision and scheduling the surgeries.
Now, as I recover and prepare to return to the Jiu-Jitsu mats in January, I’m living out this lesson in real time. I’ll be stepping back on those mats not only as a student but also as a teacher. Jiu-Jitsu has always been a powerful metaphor for life:
- You can’t overthink your way through a roll; you have to act.
- You won’t always make the perfect move, but every attempt is a chance to learn.
- The mats reward those who commit to thoughtful, decisive action.
The Rewards of Action
When I say “life rewards action,” I don’t just mean you’ll always get the result you were aiming for. Sometimes the reward is success—a win, a breakthrough, or achieving a goal. But just as often, the reward is a lesson—a chance to refine your approach, grow stronger, and prepare for the next step.
My Grandpa John, who lived to 98, often said, “You’ve got to start the race to finish it.” He knew that life rewards the doers—the ones who step into the arena, even if they don’t have it all figured out.
An Invitation to Take Action
If you’re 40 or older and have been thinking about trying something new, I invite you to join me on the mats this January. I’m offering a 30-day free experience at Dinoto’s Action Karate in Mt. Laurel. It’s an opportunity to experience the power of thoughtful action in a supportive and empowering environment.
Go HERE to learn more and sign up.
Where Do You Need to Act?
I want to leave you with a question: Where in your life have you been stuck in thought, waiting for the “perfect” moment? Maybe it’s a new goal, a project, or even a conversation you’ve been avoiding. Whatever it is, take one small, thoughtful action today.
The perfect moment doesn’t exist, but the power of action is real. Move forward with courage, guided by your wisdom, and trust that the journey will teach you what you need to know.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of living strong. If this resonated with you, share it with someone who might need a nudge to take action. And as always, stay strong, act boldly, and keep Living Strong!
